Desh Natok to restage ‘Darpane Sharatshashi’ in tribute to theatre legends

Desh Natok is bringing back “Darpane Sharatshashi” on January 22 and 23 at the Women’s Association Auditorium in Dhaka, reviving a landmark production first staged in 1992. The return is both a theatrical event and an act of remembrance.
The restaging is dedicated to Ishrat Nishat, the acclaimed stage actor who defined the role of Monorama. She died on January 19, 2020. The production also honours director-actor Aly Zaker and playwright Manoj Mitra—both of whom died in 2020—as well as former Desh Natok members Jasim Uddin, died in 1995, Golam Faruk, died in 2014, Sujat Kabir, died in 2014 and Dilip Chakrabarti, died in 2012. 

Image

“Darpane Sharatshashi” was written by Manoj Mitra and originally directed by Aly Zaker, two towering figures of Bangla theatre. The 1992 staging became historic for its rare collaboration between Desh Natok and Nagorik Natya Sampradaya. Mansur Ahmed handled production design, Nasirul Haque Khokon led lighting, and KB Al Azad worked on music and sound. Zaker designed the costumes himself. Afsana Mimi played the title role of Sharatshashi, anchoring a production that became a reference point for modern Bangladeshi stagecraft.
Three decades later, the play returns under the direction and supervision of Kamal Ahmed. Many actors from the original cast have rejoined, including Kamal Ahmed, Masum Reza, Ashok Byapari, Ehsanul Aziz Babu, Touhid Mitul, Shoaib Islam, Kazi Mizan Koyel and AK Khan. The team has made limited changes to the script and staging to meet present-day production needs. Kazi Mizan Koyel has designed the new stage layout.

Image

This time, the role of Sharatshashi, first played by Afsana Mimi, is performed by Bratati Bithu. The role of Monorama—forever associated with Ishrat Nishat—will be played by Naznin Hasan Chumki.
Chumki is clear about the weight of the inheritance. “Ishrat Nishat was a legend in theatre. Anyone who saw her perform or heard her voice would never forget her. I always say my mother gave me life, but theatre made me who I am. Under its shelter and care, I, Naznin Hasan Chumki, learned my craft from my guruma, Ishrat Nishat. As I embody Monorama, I feel she was Monorama in every way. It is my fortune to inherit this role. To me, Nishat apa stands for emotion, respect and love. My performance will be a dedication to her tutelage.”